Welcome, DVM Class of 2029!

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program! We look forward to your arrival on campus in August, and we are excited to learn more about you during the orientation program we have planned for you.

Please explore the information available through the "Entering Student Resources" menu to prepare for your arrival in August. You will be receiving lots of communication over the next several months, we are here to help with the transition into the VMCVM DVM program. Reach out to us at acadaff@vt.edu or 540-231-4090 if we can provide further assistance.

Welcome to our college family!

Sincerely,
Your Academic Affairs team

Welcome from the college's Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association president

To the incoming students of the DVM Class of 2029,

My name is Madi Bryant, and I am the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) President at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your acceptance to this incredible institution! Your years of dedication and hard work have led you to this exciting milestone, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you into our community. As you prepare to take the next step in your veterinary journey, I’d love to share a bit about my experience here and all that this community has to offer.

Although it feels like a lifetime ago, I still vividly remember the rush of emotions when I received my acceptance email and saw the word "Congratulations!" in the first line. It felt like I had finally reached the end of a long and challenging journey by accomplishing something that only a small percentage of people are able to do. What I’ve come to realize, however, is that acceptance was not the finish line, but rather a pivotal stop on an even more rewarding, demanding, and ever-evolving path toward becoming a veterinarian.

Before I knew it, I was sitting at orientation just a week before classes began. The night before, I challenged myself to do one thing: step outside my comfort zone. I promised to push myself for the first few weeks and, if it became too much, I’d take a step back. This started with me joining a club that allowed me to witness my first echocardiogram, which sparked my interest in pursuing Cardiology. It gave me the push I needed to start conversations with other students who have since become some of my best friends. It prompted me to attend an information session on SAVMA, a decision which awarded me the privilege of writing you this letter now. Two years later, that small decision to branch out has shaped me into a more confident, knowledgeable, and compassionate person, which is preparing me to become the best veterinarian I can be. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of you.

At our (your!) college you will find a wealth of opportunity. Our student organizations span a broad spectrum of interests, from small and large animal medicine to public health, exotic species, and specialized fields within veterinary medicine. These clubs regularly host faculty and guest speakers for case rounds, wet labs, and supplemental lectures. In addition to professional organizations, we have clubs focused on personal growth and community, such as Pride VMCVM, Christian Veterinary Fellowship, the Student Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterinarians, and Veterinarians for One Inclusive Community for Empowerment, among many others. Our list of clubs and organizations continues to grow, offering something for everyone.

With all of this in mind, I encourage you to be more than “just” a student this fall. Though it may feel daunting, take advantage of the countless opportunities available to you. Join a club that sparks your interest, apply for that research assistant position, sign up for intramural softball, or participate in a wet lab you otherwise might not have. Push yourself to explore, learn, and build meaningful connections with your peers and mentors.

I will leave you with this: veterinary school is challenging, no matter where you attend. What makes Virginia-Maryland so special is the people who walk through the doors every day, whether they be staff, faculty, or student. Each of you has earned your place here, bringing unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and each of you is capable of achieving your goals. This doesn’t mean that you have to do this alone! Lean on each other, take care of yourselves, and respect all those who share this journey with you. Together, we will continue to grow and strengthen this profession and improve the lives of animals and those who love them.

I hope you feel welcomed into your new community; my role is to be a resource and advocate for all DVM students, and that now includes you! Please know that I am always here to support you, along with the rest of our expansive network. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Warmly,

Madi Bryant

DVM Class of 2027